Don’t light up in parks and on trails in Coquitlam.
Visitors caught smoking in the city’s green spaces now face a $500 fine.
On Saturday, June 1, the penalty rose from $150 and, because of the fire risk, will stay at $500 until Sept. 30.
As in past years, emergency personnel and bylaw enforcement officers will be out this summer to check for smokers in parks and forested areas, and issue e-tickets to violators.
If you see someone smoking in a park, you can call the city’s bylaw office at 604-927-3580 or email [email protected].
In addition, if you toss a cigarette butt on the ground anywhere in Coquitlam or throw it out a vehicle window, you’re also facing a $150 fine.
Follow these tips for fire safety this summer:
- don’t have open fires or burn outdoors
- move combustible debris or firewood at least 10 metres away from any structure
- remove dead needles from roofs and gutters, and prune branches hanging over a roof
- reduce debris around your home, including overgrown vegetation
- be sure to avoid rocks when mowing (it can spark a fire)
You can visit the city’s website for more information about the summer fire season.
